Top 200 Fantasy Hockey Player Rankings for 2025-26: Key Insights, Risers, and Roster Moves
The 2025-26 NHL season is in full swing, and fantasy managers have a powerful tool at their disposal: NHL.com's top 200 player rankings. More than a simple list, these rankings synthesize recent performance, projected usage, line deployment, and injury news, making them an invaluable reference for in-season roster management. Whether you're eyeing a championship run or seeking the next breakout, understanding the context behind the numbers is essential. Let's break down the most important developments, analyze the fantasy implications across formats, and spotlight actionable moves for savvy managers.
What’s New & Why It Matters
This season's top 200 rankings reflect a dynamic NHL landscape. Nathan MacKinnon has surged to the number one spot, riding elite usage and a consistent role on the top line and power play for the Avalanche. Meanwhile, rookies like Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini are shaking up the list, offering tantalizing upside for both redraft and dynasty formats. Injuries have also impacted the board, most notably with Aleksander Barkov's season-ending absence, opening up roster spots and affecting line combinations in Florida.
On the blue line, Cale Makar maintains his status as the premier fantasy defenseman, thanks to heavy power-play usage and a high offensive ceiling. In the crease, Connor Hellebuyck headlines the goalie group with projected workhorse volume and strong team context in Winnipeg. These rankings are shaped not just by raw talent, but by deployment, health, and team schedule—all critical factors for fantasy success.
Fantasy Implications
Points-Only
In pure scoring leagues, the spotlight shines on players with top-line and first-unit power-play roles. MacKinnon’s combination of even-strength dominance and PP1 quarterbacking makes him a near-unparalleled asset. Makar’s offensive contributions from the blue line give him rare value at a typically shallow position. Rookies like Bedard and Celebrini are increasingly viable as secondary scoring options, especially as their roles expand. The injury to Barkov removes a high-floor, high-ceiling forward from the pool—managers should pivot to healthy, similarly deployed pivots. Monitor emerging linemates on surging teams for streaming upside.
Categories / Bangers
For those in multi-category or banger leagues, the rankings highlight players who contribute not only points but also hits, blocks, shots, and special teams stats. Bedard’s shot volume and willingness to engage physically make him a rare rookie who can help across categories. Goalie depth is always a concern, so Hellebuyck’s projected start volume and save totals are gold. Streaming goalies like Logan Thompson is a viable way to chase wins and saves, especially when the schedule aligns favorably. Injuries can create short-term streaming opportunities for players elevated to top-six or PP1 roles.
Dynasty / Keeper
Long-term formats require a keen eye on trajectory and opportunity. Celebrini’s rise is a clear signal to stash or acquire him in dynasty leagues; his upside is immense as he acclimates to the NHL. Bedard’s all-around game ensures he’s a foundational piece for years to come. Managers should also track young defensemen or goalies earning more responsibility, as these shifts often precede breakout campaigns. Injuries to veterans may open the door for prospects or recent call-ups—prime stashing targets for patient managers.
Who to Add / Stream / Watch
- Connor Bedard (CHI): Available in some leagues, Bedard’s multi-category upside and growing role make him a must-add for the present and future.
- Macklin Celebrini: Dynasty managers should add or stash; his role is growing and the upside is massive.
- Logan Thompson (VGK): Stream for goalie starts—projected high volume and solid ratios, especially during favorable schedule runs.
- Anthony Duclair: Elevated to a top-six role due to injuries; offers immediate scoring upside for short-term streams.
- Owen Power: Young defenseman seeing increased minutes and PP2 time, worth a speculative add in deeper leagues.
- Anton Lundell: With Barkov out, Lundell’s usage spikes—short-term add for center depth and potential PP1 exposure.
- Jordan Eberle: Consistent top-six deployment and power-play touches on a surging offense make him a reliable streamer.
Fantasy Takeaways
- Elite usage and health drive top-tier value—MacKinnon and Makar remain foundational assets.
- Emerging rookies like Bedard and Celebrini are must-roster or must-stash, depending on format.
- Injuries create both risks (drop Barkov) and opportunities (stream or add their replacements).
- Goalie management is crucial: workhorse starters like Hellebuyck are rare, but streaming options like Thompson can bridge gaps.
- Monitor line changes and PP1 time closely—these shifts often precede value spikes or regression.
Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.